Twimal the Twitter reader reads your tweets, looks adorable while doing so (video)

If you fancy using Twitter as much as we do, you'll probably scream like a pre-teen when you lay your eyeballs on what toy maker Takara Tomy has conjured up in Japan. Dubbed Twimal, this loveable Pokemon-esque desk companion plugs into your Windows machine via USB and has one reason for its existence -- to read your tweets. Available in blue or white (male or female voice, respectively), these little bots are able to read all sorts of tweets (replies, lists, user-specific, etc.), in what appears to be Japanese only. If you're interested in getting your 140-character messages read in the cutest way possible, look for these toys on digital shelves in Japan on March 31 for ¥2,480 (around 30 bucks). And do yourself a favor; watch the video after the break. You'll thank us later.

SWITL scoops oozy goop with amazing robotic precision (video)

Look, sometimes, not often, but sometimes we'll miss a truly spectacular and mind bending story that requires a double-back. The SWITL robotic hand is just such a case. The patent-pending technology looks to have been revealed on video back in late October showing the Furukawa Kikou robot deftly lifting a ketchup and mayonnaise mess from a table and then replacing it unchanged from its original shape. The tech was developed for bakeries with the intention of automating the handling of soft substances that were either too malleable or too icky for human hands. Unfortunately, Furukawa Kikou isn't providing any details about the science behind SWITL so we'll just assume that it's Satan's work until otherwise informed. See what we mean in the video after the break.

Panasonic Lumix GH2 review roundup: impressive video recording, murky still images

In case you're still wondering if Panasonic's mirrorless Lumix GH2 is worth your $900, we've rounded up a handful of reviews to provide a pointer for your next big purchase. While most reviewers agree that this Micro Four Thirds camera appears to be very similar to its predecessor, they universally praise the subtly improved ergonomics, speedy liveview autofocusing, and refined image quality, especially with its 1080p AVCHD video recording (although Digital Camera Resource Page did notice some artifacting in its clips). Noise is also a non-issue up to about ISO 800 or 1600, though it's apparent that the 16 megapixel stills are comparatively dull and, like those from many other MFTs, aren't quite on par with DSLRs -- expect plenty of manual processing work here, as demoed by the good folks over at Digital Photography Review. All in all, the GH2 is a great kit for high quality video capturing, bundled with a pretty good still performance that requires some extra TLC afterwards -- kinda ironic in a way, but hey, this isn't a problem for lovers of video bokeh. Head over to the links below for some in-depth analysis and walk-through before you leave a small dent on your bank account.

Read - Digital Photography Review
Read - Photography Blog
Read - Camera Labs
Read - Digital Camera Resource Page
Read - Let's Go Digital

EVOtainment System brings emulation greatness to the HTC EVO on a Wiimote and a prayer (video)

In a world full of cheap, plastic Wiimote accessories, aisles that overflow with flimsy little steering wheels for Mario Kart, one man found purpose. One man found something good to do with them. One man created the ridiculous contraption you see above. That man is Jack Malone, crafter of this the so-called EVOtainment System. It's a Wii racing wheel from Nerf that's been drilled out and augmented to enable a Classic Controller to join the party, backed with a strip of 3M Dual Lock. Up top a universal GPS mount clings desperately on to his HTC EVO, which connects over Bluetooth to the Wiimote. It's emulatory bliss in a design that's only a little bit less chunkier than the Game Gripper.

Update: Video after the break!

EVOtainment

[Thanks, Jack]

Eyez video recording glasses promise to 'revolutionize' social networking

Could this pair of relatively normal looking glasses "revolutionize" video on social networking sites? That's the bold claim made by the folks behind these so-called "Eyez," at least, which unsurprisingly seem to be filled more with vapor than any actual hardware at the moment. If the company is to be believed, however, they'll eventually pack a built-in camera that's able to record 1080p video, 16GB of flash memory, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 350 mAh lithium ion battery that promises three hours of recording on a charge. You'll even apparently be able to pair the glasses with your phone via Bluetooth, and automatically upload or even stream live video to various social networking sites via an app. Of course, there's not even so much as a hint of a release date or a price, nor is there any evidence that an actual prototype even exists. There is, however, dramatic music on a Flash-heavy website -- and that counts for something, right?

Show full PR text

"Eyez™ Will Revolutionize Video on Facebook, YouTube, and LiveStream"

ZionEyez LLC is proud to unveil "Eyez™," the latest innovation in social media technology. Eyez™ are HD video recording eyeglasses that allow users to easily broadcast live, mobile, hands-free video footage to their preferred social networking site.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) March 7, 2011

Eyez™ embeds an HD 1080p video camera within the frame of the eyeglasses to record live video data. The recorded data can be stored to the 16GB of flash memory within the Eyez™ glasses, transferred via Bluetooth or Micro USB to a computer, or wirelessly transferred to most iPhone or Android devices. After a one-time download of the "Eyez™" smartphone and tablet app, users can wirelessly broadcast the video in real time to their preferred social networking website.

"Sharing personal experiences online will no longer be a written status update and a few photos, but a full length HD video journal," said ZionEyez LLC co-founder Brent Burroff. "Eyez™ gives people the ability to share the world as they see it in real time, from a truly first person perspective, without compromising convenience or style."

Currently, the most popular way to record mobile video is via smartphone or digital camera. However, while the online social network platforms are excellent for receiving the video, physically recording the video remains problematic. Many recorded video streams are short, largely because it is uncomfortable for users to continuously hold their cameras up for longer than a few minutes. Also, users are forced to watch the event they are recording through the miniature mobile phone screen, rather than enjoying the action as it unfolds in front of them.

Eyez™ solves both of these problems. Now users can comfortably broadcast live video completely hands-free, and without the burden of watching it through a tiny screen. Users can simply tap the power sensor, open the Eyez™ app, and then forget about it. Several networking sites, including Qik and LiveStream, will broadcast to users profiles' and save the videos to cloud storage. If users prefer not to broadcast the video to the internet or to their mobile, the data will automatically save to the built-in flash memory, allowing for an easy upload later via Micro USB or Bluetooth.

While employing cutting-edge technological advances, Eyez™ glasses are also practical for daily use. Users can choose from high quality removable lenses in both clear and shaded tones. In addition, the shape of Eyez™ glasses is extremely popular, so most optical stores can easily fit the appropriate prescription lenses.

"Eyez™ will be loved by everyone," says co-founder of ZionEyez LLC, Evan Lindquist. "Dad can broadcast his son's game-winning catch to out-of-town family members so they can all cheer him on in real time. Outdoor enthusiasts will finally be able to stream themselves kayaking, mountain climbing, or snowboarding. A college student can record lectures to study for an exam and then later that night capture the highlights of his campus party scene."

Social networking is constantly being reinvented as technology advances, and the future of live broadcasting online is finally breaking free from its constraints. The world is ready for social networking to take the next big leap into the future, and Eyez™ video recording glasses are at the forefront of this technological evolution.

Visit http://www.zioneyez.com for product details.

Eyez™ Pat. Pending

Networked 'On Air' light illuminates when webcast begins, dims when it ends (video)

We won't get into the myriad ways to impress one's audience while engaging in a live video podcast, but here's one that slides into the 'surefire' category. The crafty folks over at MAKE decided to construct an automated On Air light for their new live sessions, and rather than automating it with a human hand flipping a switch at a predetermined time, they decided to wire it up to receive signals from a UStream API. In essence, the light is programmed to turn on when the podcast shows 'online,' and turn off when that status changes to 'offline.' It's a beautifully simple concept, and yet, so illuminating. See for yourself after the break.

Asus reveals ET2700 all-in-one desktop, lets you get touchy-feely with all ten digits (video)

After HP dropped its TouchSmart 2, myriad manufacturers jumped on the all-in-one touchscreen bandwagon -- and Asus has a new 27-inch beaut riding shotgun. Unveiled at CeBIT last week and dubbed the Asus All-in-One ET2700, this prototype machine comes with ten-finger multitouch, 178-degree vertical and horizontal viewing angles, SonicMaster audio, and some decidedly Apple-inspired aesthetics. Details on price and specs shan't be revealed for a few weeks, so the video below must suffice to sate your all-in-one appetites -- patience is a virtue, after all.

Instaprint service is the Polaroid of the Instagram generation, no shaking required (video)

Sure Polaroid brought its headline product into 2011 by teaming up with Lady Gaga, but most of us are just fine with using our phones to quickly capture memorable moments. Well, Instaprint aims to recreate the photo craze of yesteryear by tying it in to Instagram -- the wildly popular (and currently iOS-only) app that lets you apply various filters to your photos for quick sharing among friends. The Instaprinter (our term, not the company's) is essentially a modified Zink photo printer with internet connectivity and tie-ins to the Instagram API, that automatically prints items tagged with any hashtag you choose. As of now, the company is planning to rent Instaprint boxes and demo the service at SXSWi, targeting it as a novel way to capture all angles of whatever event you may be hosting -- which to us seems like a fun idea. That is, until someone starts abusing the system and tags a photo of their derriere with #GrandmasBirthday. You can try it out now by tagging your shots with #Instaprint, and see it printed live in the stream embedded after the break.

Live TV : Ustream

Konect USB watch concept is awe-inspiring, hard to tell time on (video)

We've seen some pretty interesting and insanely unique watches in our time, and just when we thought we'd seen it all, artist Olivier Demange whips up this timepiece concept -- dubbed Konect -- that packs a wide range of features and looks futuristic while doing so. Embedded in this Tron-esque gadget watch is a Bluetooth radio that'll act as a receiver -- yes, you can finally fulfill your lifelong dream of using your watch to communicate (only if you've strapped a paired BT headset to your skull). You'll also find proper controls for music playback, a button to answer and end calls, a removable USB stick, and well, a way to tell the time. Judging by the renders, we'd say finding out when it is might take more than a second or two, but you can be sure that we hope to see this thing on our wrists sometime. Check out the concept in video form below the fold -- and yes, we know, House!

Google brings Instant Previews to mobile, makes them seriously useful (video)

We've never had a use for Google Instant Search on mobile, so we didn't expect much when Google's Instant Previews invaded the smartphone realm as well. You know what? They're actually surprisingly useful. Instead of trying to cram additional information into Google's already-crowded mobile website, Instant Previews adds a little magnifying glass next to most every result instead, and clicking on the magnifier brings up a series of cached thumbnails of each page that you can scroll through in portrait or landscape modes. It's a very visual way of finding what you're looking for, and more importantly, it's quick even over 3G, saving time and mobile bandwidth that would otherwise be spent clicking through links one by one. Rather than decipher that long-winded explanation, though, why don't you try it out for yourself or watch our video demonstration after the break?

Plugable DC-125 dock turns your solitary PC into a multiple workstation powerhouse (video)

We've seen a few docking stations 'round these parts that use the venerable DisplayLink technology to great effect, but nothing quite like this before. Plugable's DC-125 USB 2.0 Docking Client connects to your PC allows you to connect your display, speakers, keyboard, and mouse via one USB port -- small potatoes, right? Well, if said PC has a compatible multi-user OS (such as Windows Multipoint Server or Userful Multiseat Linux) you can daisy chain docks to add several terminals to the setup. Terminals! Now you can relive the dark, backwards days when you had to go to the college computer lab to get any work done -- in the comfort of your own home. Available now for $65 a pop. Get a closer look after the break.

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DisplayLink USB Graphics Technology Powers Plugable's First Integrated Dock and Zero Client Device

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recognizing DisplayLink™ Corp.'s leadership in zero client solutions, Plugable is using DisplayLink USB virtual graphics technology in its first integrated zero client/thin client device with universal docking station capabilities.

The new Plugable DC-125 USB 2.0 Docking Client, available now, connects a laptop computer to an extra display, speakers, and two USB 2.0 ports, all from a single USB cable. Even more powerful, the device can be used as a zero client device to affordably turn one PC into many, using easy USB connections to create multi-seat computing, pairing one dock per workstation and for a total of up 14 workstations.

Zero client solutions save money and time for any school, business or consumer that wants to offer individual computing experiences to multiple people without buying multiple PCs. The Plugable device – combined with monitors, peripherals, and one PC running multiseat operating system software – can deliver that unique computing access per person, while eliminating the need for extra video cards, dedicated CPUs and complicated setup.

"DisplayLink's USB virtual graphics bring low-cost computing without compromising any on-screen graphics or performance," said Dennis Crespo, executive vice president of marketing and business development at DisplayLink. "With DisplayLink DL-125 series chips embedded inside, Plugable's integrated dock and zero client device makes it quick and easy to assemble a pod of workstations with extended peripheral support, so students can enjoy content from the Internet as well from their own USB peripherals such as thumb drives, digital cameras, and more."

In addition to featuring simple USB connectivity, the Plugable Docking Client:

Supports standard VGA monitors up to 1280×1024 or 1440×900.
Works as a laptop dock with Windows XP, Vista, Win7 and Mac OS X.
Works as a client station with Windows Multipoint Server 2011 or 2010 and with Userful Multiseat Linux 2011.
Includes both a desktop stand and a monitor attachment.
"DisplayLink technology is so versatile that we've been able to provide a variety of universal docks, USB graphics adapters and now zero client devices that extend the capabilities and value from PC purchases," said Bernie Thompson, founder of Plugable. "The many ways to leverage virtual graphics technology continues to evolve, while DisplayLink's experience in the USB graphics market allows for unmatched compatibility."

The Plugable DC-125 USB 2.0 Docking Client is available today, selling for $64.95 with free shipping to USA addresses at Amazon. Customers outside the USA visit Amazon UK. More detail on the product is available on Plugable's product page.

About DisplayLink

DisplayLink Corp. is a hardware and software company that offers a unique technology to enable easy virtual graphics connectivity between computers and displays over standard interfaces such as USB, wireless USB and Ethernet. DisplayLink technology is used in dozens of globally branded PC accessories including monitors, universal docking stations, display adapters, projectors, and zero client systems that make expansion of the desktop visual workspace possible, at significantly lower cost and energy usage than traditional solutions.

DisplayLink is ranked the fourth fastest-growing EMEA Company by Deloitte, and was awarded the CES 2011 Best of Innovation Award Honoree in the Enabling Technologies category for its forthcoming Interactive Networked Graphics for SuperSpeed USB. For more information and product details, visit DisplayLink Shop and follow DisplayLink on Facebook and Twitter.

Contacts

Stowe Consulting
Kim Stowe, 408-839-8750 (Media)
pr@displaylink.com

LOPES rehab robot gets bodies moving -- no relation to JLo (video)

That's LOPES (Lower-extremity Powered ExoSkeleton) -- not Lopez -- and while this rehab robot can get otherwise disinclined parties to move their butts, it doesn't resort to monotonous dance beats to do so. Researchers at the Netherlands' University of Twente began work on LOPES in 2001 to assess motor skills and teach stroke victims how to walk again. Ten years later, LOPES -- which looks like Forrest Gump's leg braces on steroids -- now sports eight degrees of freedom and automatically adjusts to fit the specific support needed per patient. LOPES' overlords are working on a more compact and user friendly iteration, and expect a market-ready version to be available by mid-2012. In the meantime, LOPES has been enlisted in a larger EU project called Mindwalker, testing advanced control algorithms "to be used in autonomous exoskeletons." Video of the future real-life RoboCop after the jump.

[Thanks, Mike]

Sony PS2 handheld mod looks downright gorgeous, just needs a battery pack (video)

Oh, sure -- we've seen N64 handhelds and PS3 laptops, but how's about a PS2 handheld? Now that your brain is sufficiently melted, allow us to introduce you to England's own techknott, also known as the man responsible for the gorgeous piece of playable art shown above. Apparently, this PlayStation 2 handheld was crafted for a client, and in an effort to cut down on costs, doesn't have a built-in battery pack. That said, it's still an awful lot more mobile than even a slim PS2, and quite a bit more handsome if we may say so ourselves. Head on past the break for a live action video, and feel free to drop him a line in the source link if you'd love to have one of your own. No discounts promised or implied, though.

[Thanks, Palmer]

Josh stops by Jimmy Fallon with the Xoom, Pre 3, Veer, and TouchPad (video)

Want to get your hands on the HP Pre 3, Veer, and the TouchPad? Sadly you can't at this point, but you can see them doing their respective things in the video below. Our editor-in-chief Joshua Topolsky made another visit to Jimmy Fallon last night with a all of HP's upcoming toys, as well as the Motorola Atrix and the Xoom tablet too. It's all embedded below, so make with the clicking.

Visualized: Android activations mapped geographically, chronologically, breathtakingly (video)

Do you ever wish for an easier way to show your uninitiated friends what you mean when you say Android is growing? Well, here's the video for you: a Google-produced map of the world that throbs with Android activations over time, highlighted by some truly eye-opening flourishes in the immediate aftermath of marquee handset launches. The Google guys have even given us handy countdown timers -- "Droid launch in 3, 2, 1..." -- and broken things down by continent for easier viewing. Only thing missing is a soundtrack, so just have your Tron: Legacy OST loaded up and ready before jumping past the break.

[Thanks, Leo Z.]

Meka's M-1 Mobile Manipulator, a cuter Cody the spit bath robot (video)

Remember Cody? The robot from Georgia Tech designed to give spit baths to the elderly and crippled? Well, Cody's got an attractive younger cousin named M-1, and for $340,000 this fine piece of machinery could be all yours. Built by San Francisco-based Meka Robotics, the M-1 Mobile Manipulator (based on Cody) runs on a combination of ROS and proprietary software and sports a Kinect-compatible head with a five megapixel Ethernet camera, arms with six-axis force-torque sensors at the wrist, force controlled grippers, and an omnidirectional mobile base. If the standard features don't fit your needs, Meka offers various upgrades, including four-fingered hands and humanoid heads, complete with expressive eyelids (à la Meka's Dreamer), ears, and additional sensor compatibility. These add-ons will of course cost you, but we think its worth it to have those big translucent eyes staring back at you. A rather touching demo after the jump.

Meka M1 Mobile Manipulator vimeo from Meka Robotics on Vimeo.

BlackBerry Monaco makes brief video appearance with Verizon branding

Needless to say, the Storm 2's past its prime -- if it ever had a prime -- and if Verizon is going to continue with the touchscreen BlackBerry theme, it needs to re-up fast. That would be where the so-called Monaco comes into play, a phone that's been leaking under various names for over half a year now, and now we've got it captured on a brief, moderately blurry video with a Verizon logo clearly and prominently featured around back. It's looking pretty laggy here, but it's unclear how close the phone is to production -- both the hardware and software (said to be BlackBerry OS 6.1 with mobile hotspot capability, among other features) could be extremely early or near final. RIM's still got some repenting to do for the original Storm, so it'll be interesting to see if the Monaco (which could come to market as the Storm 3, or some other name altogether) fits the bill. Follow the break for the video.

[Thanks, Zecharias]

Masdar City's driverless pods now whisking students around on a limited basis (video)

Oh, sure -- Masdar City's driverless pods may not make nearly as many stops as your average metro, but it essentially matches the usefulness of the subway station in Pyongyang. And with a lot less energy waste, to boot. If you'll recall, these driverless pods were planned years ago, and while the ambitions have been quelled somewhat thanks to the economic crunch, that hasn't stopped students and engineers from using 2GetThere's pods, magnets and a fiber optic system to create a two-stop transfer system at the university. For now, they're whisking students between a pair of drop points that are 800 meters apart, traveling 15 miles per hour and instilling fear into everyone who dares step inside. As for the future? Only The Jetsons truly know, but you can take a glimpse in the video just past the break.

Rolls-Royce electrifies Phantom sedan, tests the waters of luxury (video)

If you have the money to consider owning a Rolls, we doubt you're worried about gasoline, but that hasn't stopped the manufacturer from finally electrifying its Spirit of Ecstasy. Two years after teasing a fully-electric Phantom, Rolls-Royce has built the car for real, a one-off prototype it's dubbed the 102EX, or Phantom Experimental Electric. You won't be able to buy one, though, no matter your estate, as rather than produce the vehicle Rolls is taking it on a world tour to gauge the reaction of the luxury automobile community. First stop: the Geneva Motor Show on March 1st, where the company will reveal the vehicle's full technical specs. While you wait, you're welcome to peruse the entirely unhelpful video teaser and modestly useful press release after the break.

Show full PR text

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Confirms Electric Test Vehicle Project

Goodwood UK

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today confirmed the development of 102EX, a one-off, fully electric powered Phantom, to debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2011. The car will tour during 2011, serving as a test bed to gather a bank of research data which will be crucial in informing future decisions on alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

"We have engineered the world's first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment," said CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, speaking from the company's headquarters in Goodwood. "With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future."

Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring for the world's most discerning customers. With 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), it is the company's intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media.

102EX will serve as a working test bed for a global tour that takes in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Through test drives, owners will be given the opportunity to experience an alternative drive-train technology and to feedback their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly to Rolls-Royce.

While there are no plans to develop a production version, as one of the company's EX models it will serve to begin a dialogue with existing owners and stakeholders, posing as well as answering questions of its audience.

These include the car's ability to deliver an acceptable range between re-charges and to operate in extreme weather conditions. But also to benchmark reliability and quality against customer expectations of the world's pinnacle automotive brand.
"I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience," added Müller-Ötvös. "It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future."

In preparation for the Geneva debut, Rolls-Royce will launch the website www.electricluxury.com this week, a portal to fuel a wider global debate seeking views on the question of electric luxury from media, VIPs and stakeholders. The site will also deliver regular updates of the car's progress while on tour.

Full technical specifications for 102EX, as well as images and b-roll will be published at 00:01 GMT on 1 March 2011.

AT&T opens up video archives, shares the history inside

Where can you find Orson Welles, Marconi's daughter, Alexander Graham Bell's grandaughter, and inventors of the transistor and television? You might try To Communicate is the Beginning, a 1976 educational publication tracing the history of electronic communication, which AT&T recently decided to exhume from its archives of Bell Labs material. The 30-minute video's just the first in a series, too, as AT&T's website is already playing host to films about the origins of the laser and integrated circuit too, with more on the way. Find them all at our source link -- you do want to know how your favorite technologies evolved, right?